Homelessness is the last thing Derrick Pye had imagined, especially as he had worked all his life. Pye, 58, lived in his car for five years in different areas in Nova Scotia before getting the help he needed.
After a heart attack and losing his housing about five years ago, Pye had to live out of his car for half a decade, first in Dartmouth and later around Musquodoboit Harbour. While he tried to get help, he found the system difficult and overwhelming and did not feel comfortable going to shelters.
The 58-year-old mechanic, Pye, experienced invisible homelessness, which is more common in rural areas. He lived out of his car and constantly struggled to find safe places to sleep. He often parked in places like store lots or quiet back roads, worried about being disturbed by police or not having access to basic needs like a bathroom.
After moving to Musquodoboit Harbour, Pye slowly began rebuilding his life with help from people in the community, including housing support worker Nick Bishop and the Musqui Comfort Centre. At first, it was simple things like a friendly conversation or someone checking in on him, but over time, he started trusting people again and even slept at the local shelter. With help from Bishop, he was able to apply for housing support and his Canada Pension Plan benefits, which helped him find a stable home near Head of Chezzetcook.
Today, he lives with his two dogs, keeps a chicken coop, and says he feels healthier and happier. He volunteers at the Old School Community Gathering Place, giving back by helping with projects like building storage cupboards. Pye says the support he received changed his life, and he now encourages people to show compassion to those who may be living in their cars because they may be going through struggles similar to his own.
